The Government of India has strengthened flood mitigation efforts in the North Eastern Region by providing ₹2,536.96 crore in central assistance for 263 flood management projects under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) since the scheme’s inception up to March 2026. The projects, implemented across all North Eastern States including Sikkim, focus on flood control, anti-erosion works, drainage development, and protection against riverbank erosion.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti stated that while flood management remains the responsibility of State Governments, the Centre supports these efforts through technical guidance and financial assistance. The Central Water Commission (CWC) currently operates 53 flood forecasting stations in the North Eastern Region as part of its nationwide network of 360 stations, issuing forecasts up to 24 hours in advance. In addition, the Commission has developed a 7-day basin-wise flood forecasting advisory system to provide authorities with greater lead time for evacuation planning and disaster preparedness.
Flood alerts are disseminated through dedicated online platforms, the Flood Watch India mobile application, and integrated with the Common Alert Protocol (CAP) for State Disaster Management Authorities. The Ministry also highlighted that hydrological and meteorological data are shared with neighbouring countries to improve river basin management and flood forecasting in the region.
To strengthen long-term flood resilience, the Ministry circulated technical guidelines on Flood Plain Zoning (FPZ) to States and Union Territories in August 2025, encouraging scientific floodplain assessment and land-use planning. Meanwhile, the Brahmaputra Board has prepared 52 master plans covering structural and non-structural flood management measures across the North Eastern States. Relief assistance for flood-affected areas continues to be provided through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), with additional support from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in cases of severe disasters after due assessment.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Also Read: Urban Flooding and Landslides: Centre Says Drainage Management Is Primarily a State Responsibility
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